1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.

2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.

3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.

Why is this bike only $2k

After doing some research, I can see why it is somewhat cheap, I know that it does not actually have the S-Works components, or even the Epic Marathon components, but I still feel that is priced pretty low. Which usually means to me that either I am missing something, there is something wrong with the bike, or this a legitimate deal. I know that you can't help with the second one without seeing/riding the bike, but am I missing something here?

Parts came off a Epic Marathon that was warrantied by Specialized.
Recently updated brakes to the 2012 IceTech Calipers(Amazing brakes).
Full Sram XO drivetrain(shifters, rear derrailleur) (Shimano XTR, brakes, cranks)
Fox forks with lockout and the world famous Brain Rear Shock, running tubeless.

Doesn't seem to fit the it's stolen profile. I think it's going relatively inexpensive because it is a bit of a hodge-podge of parts/bikes and it is a 4 year old carbon frame. Oh and that particular brain was problem-prone. Perhaps it didn't get ridden because it didn't fit the ride style of the owner and he just wants to offer it at a reasonable price to get cash for another project. Seems very legit to me. If its local, go check it out and ride it, ask questions.

Sometimes, you need to go fast enough that the trail is a blur to find clarity. -- Wild Bill

Doesn't seem to fit the it's stolen profile. I think it's going relatively inexpensive because it is a bit of a hodge-podge of parts/bikes and it is a 4 year old carbon frame. Oh and that particular brain was problem-prone. Perhaps it didn't get ridden because it didn't fit the ride style of the owner and he just wants to offer it at a reasonable price to get cash for another project. Seems very legit to me. If its local, go check it out and ride it, ask questions.

I figured as much with the brain problem.

As far as how many times it was ridden.. I thought that was just what everyone puts on CL Im assuming 3-4 times means 30-40, they just forgot the zeros.

That's good to know.
I have a 29er right now and I'm not really fully sold on it. Although I do love the bike.

I didn't think that 26 would effect the value I guess.

It wouldn't really be a second thought to me as of yet.
For how long 29ers have been around, parts still seem hard to come by. Specifically tires.
Id be pretty interested in that bike if it looked well taken care of.

2 grand for someone trying to pawn off a stolen bike? Probably not...unless the guy hucked i off a cliff, it's probably legit...how much was it new, with the right components? I'd say 4 years is a long way...and 2 grand might even be high...though still a deal (you might be able to crack 2...maybe 1900).

i think the bikes very overpriced, i wouldnt touch it for over 1300, and dont listen to talk that its not a 29er thats why its cheap, loud vikings on the money on the kool aide side of things, imo 29ers are very over rated, 26ers are still where its at, cheers

Interesting it has mixed drivetrain" XO rear and XTR front.
Says his old bike had the frame replaced by the MFG warranty, makes me wonder if he abused his equipment.
Then he took the new frame and moved his old parts onto it.
I wonder if the old parts were abused or harshly used.
And just how old are those component parts?
Those rims also look to me like they are from way back too (very old).

Cheapa$$'S

If that bike is in good condition, even if it was ridden 30-40 times 2000 is a fair price. It appears to be very big so that probably another reason why its hard to sell. Personally I would not buy it due to the troubled shock, and how expensive a replacement is.

The depreciation on high end mountain bikes is is ridiculous, proving the point you should never buy new if you don't need to. I have a Racer X carbon frame from 07/08...MSRP $2500 when it came out and I paid $550 last year for a mint used one.

Don't know about anybody else, but I'll take the parts off
it and use them. Who the hell cares if it's mix and match, if it works,
it works.
And to the O.P., go look at it and ride it and make your own decision.
Don't let a bunch of people with different opinions choose for you, myself included.

Its funny that every time theres a "build your own bike" thread, the major point everyone tries to make is that you can use any part you want... when it comes to used bikes, everyone creams a setup for not matching